Felix Magath has questioned whether Lewis Holtby is enough of a ‘fighter’ for Fulham’s relegation scrap.

The German manager is mulling over whether to include Holtby in his side for the relegation scrap at Cardiff on Saturday.

But he admitted he did not want to use him in the 3-1 defeat against Chelsea at Craven Cottage last weekend because he was not the correct tactical option in a game that would be spent fighting a rearguard action.

VIDEO Scroll down for Magath speaking about survival and Mitroglou ahead of Cardiff

Share this article

Share

‘He is a very smart, skilful, offensive player with very good passes. The game against Chelsea, the best team in the league, we have not much space to create chances and therefore he was out for that game. Saturday is another game.’

Rock-bottom Fulham go into the fixture four points short of safety and without a Premier League win since January 1.

On the ball: Holtby (right) in Premier League action against Liverpool at Craven Cottage in February

In attendance: Half-English Holtby was spotted watching England's 1-0 win over Denmark with his girlfriend

Magath admitted he is unsure whether £12million record signing Kostas Mitroglou will be fit because of a hamstring issue picked up on international duty with Greece.

Mitroglou has played only 30 minutes for Fulham following his move and Magath said on Thursday that his confidence would have been risked against Chelsea.

He said: ‘Why should I spoil him in a game like Chelsea? Chelsea is the best defending team in the league. He will not get many chances so why should I spoil him in such a game because he is new and needs confidence. It is not good for him or us if he goes in a game and gets no chances.’

Under pressure: Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finds his side in a relegation battle in 19th position

Magath added: ‘Cardiff are in a worst situation because they have a home game and they have to win. They are one point better than us.

'It is not enough for them to avoid relegation so they have to win and I think that is a good situation for us. I am convinced that will give us a chance on counter attacks to create chances and score.’